People in Florida load up on sandbags. They flee their homes. Idalia is on her way.

The storm gets stronger. On Tuesday, Idalia grew big enough to be called a hurricane.

The storm already lashed Cuba with rain. Now it threatens to bring dangerous wind and water to Florida’s Gulf coast. Waters eight to 12 feet high will slam into the land.

What are Floridians thinking? Probably, “Not again! We just had Hurricane Ian last year!”

The center of Idalia will reach the Gulf coast of Florida on Wednesday. On Thursday, it will blow through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Authorities warn Floridians living in the storm’s path to leave. These people flee to the homes of friends and relatives.

Derek Hughes loads up his car with sandbags at a city park in Tampa, Florida. His plan? Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst. Hunker down.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 46 counties. More than 1,000 National Guard members get ready to help. They have 2,400 high-water vehicles and 12 aircraft to use for rescues.

Idalia is the first storm to hit Florida this hurricane season. Floridians pray she won’t cause as much damage as some of the other hurricanes with names beginning with “I.”

Hurricanes are named in alphabetical order. The names are reused. But extra-bad hurricanes get their names scratched off the rotating list. Since 1955, 13 Atlantic storm names beginning with “I” have been retired. Hurricane season often gets strongest just as the storm-list gets to “I.” Ten names that begin with “F” have been retired. Nine storms beginning with “C” have gotten the boot too.

Pray for the safety of residents and rescue workers in Florida this week.

What would you name a hurricane? Learn all about how hurricane names are chosen here.

The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. May the Lord give strength to His people! May the Lord bless His people with peace! — Psalm 29:10-11